Hello friends,Leaping With Joy!
This first picture is of the boys literally leaping for joy! This was July 17th - and we had just told them that Allie was out of PGN and would be coming home in about 6 weeks. They were so excited and I am so glad I was able to capture their JOY.
“A joy shared is a joy doubled”Author Unknown
This next picture is of Jacob jumping into his Daddy's arms. It's hard to believe that Jacob had a tumor in his chest the size of an orange - and 2 days after this picture was taken we flew to NYC where Jacob had major lung surgery to remove it. But despite it all, Jacob was jumping into his father's arms . . . leaping with JOY. Can you just see the smile on his face? So joyful and trusting! This picture reminds me that no matter how difficult times are, we can always leap for joy into our Father's arms. God is always ready to catch us and fill our hearts with joy. How amazing is that?
"The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain."Kahlil Gibran
She is laughing so hard in the picture below - you just can't help but to laugh with her!
"Joy is the feeling of grinning on the inside."Dr. Melba Colgrove
And the next series of pictures is of Allie listening to the "Hannah Montana" theme song. She just LOVES that song and comes running whenever she hears it. This song just makes baby girl so HAPPY! I've got to video tape her because she just laughs, dances & grins through the whole song and then she does the laugh at the end. She is hilarious!
Joy is something we have worked hard to achieve during the past year. Losing Jacob filled our hearts with so much pain & sorrow and we lost our JOY for a while. But during our journey through grief - we learned that JOY is a choice. We can choose to wallow in our grief and let it consume our lives - or we can choose to have moments of grief - but live with JOY. We choose JOY. I love the following definition of JOY by Kay Warren . . .
"Joy is the unshakable assurance that God is in control of all the depths of my life. It is the quiet confidence that ultimately everything will be alright; and the determined purpose to praise God in all things. You find joy no matter what by following these 5 steps:
I have this framed in my bedroom with a picture of Jacob - to remind me that this is how Jacob lived his life. To remind me that this is how God wants me to live mine. To remind me that I can find my JOY - even on my darkest days. To remind me to trust God that my family will live with JOY.
Brandon & Devin had their 2nd grade program at school this week. Brandon's class were the rats and Devin's class were the villagers. It was too cute and they both did a good job!
Brandon looks like the saddest, but cutest little rat here!
After the show - a happy rat and a relieved villager!
And here is Allie modeling another outfit made by Nancy.
And this is how most pics turn out - with Allie walking away. Baby Girl is on the move and does not sit still for long!
I've had several e-mails about the clothes that Nancy has made for Allie. They are adorable! Nancy is working on starting an online shop with her cousin - but at this time they are not ready to take any orders. I'll post the link to the shop as soon as she is ready.
I've also had many e-mails asking how I do the headers on the blog. My mom makes the header with a photoshop program. I usually send her the pictures and scripture that I want used and she works her magic. She loves playing with pictures and is so talented. You should see all the scrapbooks she has done!! :) Once she makes the collage, she e-mails it to me and then I just add the picture collage as an image and change the background colors to match the picture. I just love the Easter one she did above.
Happy Friday, my friends! May you all leap with JOY this weekend. And please visit Kiss the Frog 4 Me to see more FFF or to join in the fun.
Ending with a scripture . . .
"I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!"
John 15:11
Leaping with joy,
26 comments:
Love the clothes Miss Allie is wearing those are the cutest overalls. You have a talented "stepmom" and you get to reap the benefits. I always love your pictures - I never get tired of them. Have a great weekend in whatever you do.
Allison
Heather,
I love the picture of Jacob jumping in the pool. I am really struggling this week with my kids growing up so quickly. Reading your post has helped me today. I need to live in themoment and enjoy. I have many memories of both Amanda and Adam jumping into my arms in the swimming pool. I can feel the joy and excitement that both of them experienced. I need to remember that joy.
Allie is more than adorable. The boys did great in their play. I remember when the kids were in 3rd grade and did "The Three Piggy Opera". It was based on Charolettes Web. They had cute costumes like your boys. It was so fun to watch.
Have a great Leap Year Friday.
Lauren
Heather,
You are SO RIGHT.. JOY IS a choice! I found some neat scriptures that speak of joy....
Isaiah 49:13
Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.
If the LORD HIMSELF is comforting us, then how can we NOT be joyful?? =-)
The next is a passage that GOD gave me the night I found out we'd lost our 3rd baby. (It was a miscarriage - Gabe is actually the 4th) It's a little long.. but oh, so good!
Jeremiah 31:1-17
1 "At that time," declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people."
2 This is what the LORD says:
"The people who survive the sword
will find favor in the desert;
I will come to give rest to Israel."
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
4 I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines
and go out to dance with the joyful.
5 Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim,
'Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the LORD our God.' "
7 This is what the LORD says:
"Sing with joy for Jacob;
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
'O LORD, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.'
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return.
9 They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel's father,
and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10 "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations;
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
'He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.'
11 For the LORD will ransom Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—
the grain, the new wine and the oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
13 Then maidens will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,"
declares the LORD.
15 This is what the LORD says:
"A voice is heard in Ramah,
mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because her children are no more."
16 This is what the LORD says:
"Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,"
declares the LORD.
"They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your future,"
declares the LORD.
"Your children will return to their own land.
Okay, I didn't mean to take up all of your "comments" section. Just wanted to share those with you. THANK YOU for your LIGHT!
What an absolutely beautiful post - thank you! Your pictures are great - especially those of Jacob and Allie. Allie makes me laugh out loud. Please, please tell me where you found the quote from Kay Warren, I just love it. Thanks again, enjoy your weekend!
Andrea
Just stopping by for my weekly photo fix of your beautiful children.
Have a great weekend.
I am always in amazement that no matter how deep the sorrow, your family finds the joy in God's blessings. I love the leaping pictures of your boys (ALL FOUR OF THEM) and love that Allie is smiling with those little white teeth peeking out!
Sophie is doing well with her arm... the cast comes off next Thursday. She is telling me... "no take it off"... I think she remembers that it hurt before they put it on her and wants to keep it on for the security. Will be an interesting day next week!
Love and FROG always!
OMG I LOOOOOOOOOVE the overalls!! That Nancy is SO TALENTED!!!! I just cherish her so!! I can't wait until the website comes up, I'm definitely going to be a customer!!!
I love the leaping pics! I have always loved the one of Jacob leaping into his dad's arm, that is truly a picture worth a MILLION words!!!
That Allie is something else, I can just hear her laughter through her pics! I can't wait to see the "actual video" of her singing the "HM" song! My Bree loves the TXCN news/ weather station music!! It's no words to it, ONLY MUSIC and no matter what she is doing, she stops and takes a seat and is transfixed on the TV! Even from an infant she have loved this music. My husband and I stayed tuned into the station ALL the time, I can remember her as a "tiny infant" how she would stare at the TV whenever the music came on! It's amazing how their little minds are like sponges, THEY SOAK UP and RETAIN EVERYTHING!
Thanks for the FFF pics, I look forward to all the FFF pics!! I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!
And you can see the teeth!!!
What great picutres! What little girls doesnt love Hannah? I hve 2 Hannah lovers on my house! I also love Allie's clothes. As ususal you have the greatest pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Heather,
Allie always makes me smile, I so love that happy face of hers. I love the clothes Nancy makes for her, they are just beautiful. Brandon, Devin, and Kyle have grown so much, and I think Brandon and Devin looked so sweet in their plays.Happy Leap Day Duckworth Family.
Carmen
As always, I love the photos. I remember that photo of Jacob jumping into Daddy's waiting arms. Such joy, such trust. Very beautiful and a very powerful image.
The Kahlil Gibran quote is lovely as well. I hadn't seen that one before.
Thanks for sharing so much from your heart.
Janet
Hey Heather,
Oh what an AWESOME post. I love when you said this:
"... we can choose to have moments of grief - but live with JOY. We choose JOY."
When I think of the word JOY, I think of you Heather and your entire family. You continue to CHOOSE to be thankful, to hope, to give, and to BLESS GOD in ALL things.
Your testimony of the faithfulness of God's sustaining power has blessed and changed countless lives!
I've never come to Jacob's page or this blog and not left feeling so much JOY!
Thanks for sharing all these awesome pictures with us. I'm just so blessed God brought you into our lives.
Leaping with you in Joy always~
Great Post!!! I love all the picture. What I love about your blog most is that no matter the post...I always come away with a blessing. Thank you :)
I leap for joy every Friday when I get to see more pictures of your beautiful children.
Sending love and hugs.
Liz Unger
Arnold, Md.
The first thing I spotted tonight were those two little teeth, shining like two little add-a-pearls ! Hopefully, she will add !
They are beautiful, and as straight as can be.
Nancy is really dressing Allie, she is very lucky there ! I forgot to tell you how beautiful Allie was too in the dress that Donnie's grandmother made for her. I think I am right on that ? She did look like a little princess in it.
I know everyone is getting ready for, and learning about Easter now, and Miss Allie will be looking for the bunny to come !
I hope your week end is happy, healthy and long !
Love,
Sandy D
Atlanta
Heather, Please confirm that you want ^Jacob^ to stay on Asher and Jacob's Friends prayer list. We are currently working to get all families that are listed to register so that we know you want to be on the list.
Your site is currently listed on http://asherandjacobsfriends.com/17.html. In order to stay on this prayer site, you will need to register on the site by filling out the registration form at the bottom of this email. Please read the below email from Laura the site administrator. Thank you.
Dear Friends,
Asher and Jacob's Friends is working hard to strengthen the regulations regarding when a link is posted on our site. This is for three reasons (1) to protect the privacy of the family (2) to protect our site from legal issues (3) to take a step towards becoming a foundation. It is very important to us that a family has the choice to have their site posted and we apologize for not taking this step sooner.
We know many of you are facing serious situations at the moment and we apologize for adding yet another burden to your plate. It is our hope you understand that we would not be doing this if it was not necessary. We are asking EVERY family that would like to remain on the site respond to this email by emailing back to Laura: laurainsem@yahoo.com a copy of the registration form completed. We know many of you have been on this site for a while and have made it clear to us you wanted to be added. Right now though, this is not enough. If you never filled out this form, it must be done! Please complete this form by April 8, 2008 otherwise you will be removed.
If you never wanted to be on the list or didn't even know you were on it, I apologize deeply. It was never our intention to hurt you in any way or to take away your right to privacy. This is the reason we are doing this now, as we recognize how out of control the site became. We have always had good intentions but we know good intentions is not enough. Please contact Laura if you would like to discuss this further.
Thank you so much for taking time to do this. Please know our prayers are with all of your families. If there is ever anything you need, please let us know. May God bless all of you as you continue on your journey.
Laura Lynn and all at Asher and Jacob's Friends
Submit your Family
As we want to protect all of our families privacy, we have set higher standards for submitting a family to the Friends list. If your family would like to have your site added, please email Laura with the following information:
1. Loved one's first and last name:
2. Birthdate (and day they journeyed to Heaven if applicable):
3. Main Diagnosis:
4. Location:
5. Webpage:
6. Email:
7. Photos in jpg format if you would like it used on this site (only used for site):
8. Your name and your relation to this person(s):
9. Any particular prayer requests you have at this moment:
***Email this information to Laura at: laurainsem@yahoo.com***
None of this information will be used on the site except for the name, website, and photos if applicable. Thank you wanting to be a part of this prayer ministry. We hope that through this site, you will find encouragement, comfort, and support.
**For any families added before these new regulations, please fill this information out as well. If you do not do so prior to April 8, 2008, your site will be removed.
Your Mom is very talented. I do love the headers that you have.
HUH! How funny Allie is a girl through and through if she loves Hannah Montana this young!!
I remember that picture of the boys when you told them Allie was coming home. Now, look at her!!
Enjoy your weekend!
Heather,
I love the picture of Jacob jumping into his daddy's arms!
You're right about choosing joy.
The wording you have framed is very good. I'll have to copy that.
The boys are so cute in their costumes and of course Allie is a doll. Does she smile all the time?
You have a beautiful family.
Thanks for sharing your joy today with us.
Love,
Valerie
Heather -- This is a great post! I love the pictures and I love the definition of joy you posted. You do such a great job finding the joy in your life! You are so blessed with an adorable family!
I absolutely love reading your blog! You are such an inspiration! I love Allie's clothes, she is such a cutie!
that is a very cute little rat - I must say! And those pictures of the boys jumping for joy over their little sissy is AWESOME!
And that sweet little face i could just eat her up!
I love the picture of Jacob leaping into his fathers arms. What a joyful day that must have been. What an awesome vision I have now of jumping into my heavenly fathers arms. Your kids are adorable. Thanks for sharing your joy!
I am leaping for joy that I know the Duckworth Family! I absolutely love the pictures of the boys in the play, it seems their expressions are about the same, though I know I wasn't there. Allie is too precious! We can truly feel the joy she has added to your whole family, what a blessing! Feeling Jacob's absence, and loving him as if he were standing right next to me. May God continue to bless his wonderful family until they are together again.
Heather,
I am an 18 year old college student, and I was blessed to follow Jacob's story for the last 4-5 months of his life.
I have wanted to be a nurse since I was 3 years old, and in the past several years I've felt called to work in pediatric oncology. Through Jacob's story and your family's testimony, I've been so encouraged and it's just affirmed my desire to be in that division. As of now, I work at a local hospital, and will hopefully be transferring to another hospital that has a pediatric oncology division. After I finish nursing school, I plan to move to Memphis and work at St. Jude.
Thank you for sharing his story. Jacob has helped me so much.
In Christ Alone,
Amanda Cone, MO
Amanda,
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I am sure you will be a wonderful nurse and touch many childrens' lives at St. Jude! I wish you the best of luck in all that you do!
Love & FROG,
Heather
Heather,
I love your blog too! You are such a sweet person and so inspirational. Not to mention that you have the most adorable children! Kyle reminds me a lot of F, Brandon's smile melts my heart, Devin is so handsome, Allie is just too cute for her own good, and Jacob...well he is just amazing, isn't he!!
Coming to your blog always reminds me that everything in my life is a choice. I can choose to be happy or sad, I can choose to be hopeful or cynical, I can choose to be giving or greedy, I can choose to be happy or sad. Thanks for that Heather!
Love,
Jennifer
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